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Orthopedic Group, Inc |
Knee Replacement, Hip Replacement & More
 Orthopedic Specialists of Rhode Island and Massachusetts Experts
Total joint replacement is a commonly performed procedure involving the replacement of a worn, diseased, or damaged joint with a prosthetic piece made to mimic a natural joint. Total joint replacement is usually recommended as a last resort after less invasive approaches, such as physical therapy or corticosteroid injections, cannot alleviate the symptoms of pain or swelling. Frequently, total joint replacement is performed to alleviate symptoms such as pain and joint swelling and to get patients back to their previous levels of activity.
Total joint replacement is used to treat a number of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
- Osteoarthritis (OA) - also known as "wear-and-tear arthritis"
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) - connective tissue surrounding the joint becomes inflamed
- Post-traumatic Arthritis - a serious injury causes irregularities in bone wearing
- Avascular Necrosis - cartilage becomes damaged by brittle bones
- Paget's Disease - bones warp and become brittle, often causing fractures
Arthritis and Joint Replacement
Joint replacement is often performed for arthritic patients to relieve pain as well as to prevent further joint damage. Your doctor will initially suggest acetaminophen and NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory) drugs to relieve pain and swelling; however, in later stages of the joint disease, surgical intervention such as total joint replacement may need to be considered.
Osteoarthritis
Affecting nearly 21 million Americans, OA is one of the leading causes of joint replacement surgery. The condition may develop suddenly or very slowly over the course of many years. OA typically causes pain and stiffness, as well as swelling in the joint and surrounding tissue. As range of motion becomes severely limited, everyday tasks such as walking the dog or gardening may become difficult to do.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a debilitating musculoskeletal condition that affects 2.1 million Americans and afflicts women two-to-three times as often as men. RA produces chemical changes that cause the synovial membrane surrounding a joint to become inflamed. The synovial membrane produces excessive fluid, causing inflammation, stiffness, and pain. Onset of this disease typically happens during early adulthood: between the ages of 20 and 45.
Total Joint Replacement in Rhode Island and Massachusetts
Featuring experts in every field, OGI provides coordinated musculoskeletal care. With offices in Pawtucket, Lincoln, and Bristol, Rhode Island, as well as Attleboro, Massachusetts, OGI employs 10 board-certified orthopedic surgeons, including specialists in joint reconstruction, spine surgery, trauma surgery, sports medicine general orthopedics, and more.
For an information on scheduling orthopedic evaluation, call our offices or visit one of our four locations in the Rhode Island / Massachusetts area.
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Pawtucket Office • 588 Pawtucket Ave. • Pawtucket, Rhode Island 02860 • Toll Free: (800) 725-3037 • Tel: (401) 722-2400
Lincoln Office • 6 Blackstone Valley • Place Building 5, Suite 530 • Lincoln, Rhode Island 02865 • Tel: (401) 334-3700
Attleboro, MA Office • 16 Hillside Ave. • Attleboro, Massachusetts 02703 • Tel: (508) 222-4450
Bristol Office • 1180 Hope Street • Bristol, Rhode Island 02809 • Tel: (401) 722-2400